Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting treat that fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma, look no further than this Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe. Combining the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, this bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a dessert, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Plus, it’s easy to whip up with just a few simple ingredients. Let’s dive in!

Why It Works Every Time

This Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe is not only delicious but also reliable. The key ingredients work in harmony to create a moist, tender crumb. The combination of ripe bananas and peanut butter adds natural sweetness and flavor, while the eggs bind everything together. The addition of vinegar or lemon juice reacts with the baking soda to give the bread a perfect rise without being overly dense. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite!

Ingredient Notes

To make this Peanut Butter Banana Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar – This adds sweetness to balance the peanut butter and bananas.
• 1/2 cup (119ml) vegetable oil – Provides moisture and richness.
• 1/2 cup (133g) peanut butter – Use creamy or chunky for added texture.
• 2 overripe bananas – The riper, the better! They should be soft and speckled.
• 2 large eggs – Essential for binding the ingredients.
• 7 tablespoons (105ml) milk – Helps to achieve the right batter consistency.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vinegar or lemon juice – Reacts with baking soda for leavening.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – The leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional) – Enhances the flavors.
• 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour – The base of the bread.
• 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and flavor.
• 1 cup (113g) powdered sugar – For a sweet glaze that tops off the bread.
• 1/2 teaspoon maple extract – Adds a subtle, warm flavor.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract – Enhances the overall taste.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) heavy whipping cream – For the glaze, adds creaminess.

Equipment Breakdown

Before you start baking, gather the following equipment:

• Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
• Whisk – To mix the wet ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy is key in baking!
• Rubber spatula – To fold in ingredients without overmixing.
• Loaf pan – A standard 9×5 inch pan works perfectly.
• Oven – Preheated to ensure even baking.

Cook Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe Like This

Follow these simple steps to create your Peanut Butter Banana Bread:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and peanut butter. Use a whisk to blend them until smooth. Add the overripe bananas and mash them into the mixture until well incorporated. Then, mix in the eggs, milk, vinegar (or lemon juice), vanilla extract, and maple extract.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt (if using). Make sure there are no lumps.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few flour streaks.

Step 5: Pour into the Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula, and tap it lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 7: Cool

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, and heavy whipping cream until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled banana bread.

How to Make It Lighter

If you’re looking to lighten up this Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe, consider the following tips:

• Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce calories.
• Replace vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat option.
• Omit the glaze or use a lighter drizzle made with yogurt.

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to solve them:

• Dense Bread: This could be a result of overmixing or too much flour. Measure carefully and mix just until combined.
• Overly Sweet: If you find the bread too sweet, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup next time.
• Cracked Top: A cracked top is normal for quick breads. If it’s excessive, try reducing the oven temperature slightly.
• Uneven Baking: Make sure your oven is properly calibrated. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even results.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

To enjoy your Peanut Butter Banana Bread for longer, follow these storage tips:

You can store the cooled banana bread at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw slices as needed, and enjoy them warm or toasted!

Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that natural peanut butter may make the bread a bit denser, but it will still be delicious.

What can I add to the batter for extra flavor?

You can incorporate mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the milk with a non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter for the glaze.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

A toothpick inserted into the center of the bread should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet with batter, it needs more time in the oven.

What to Make After This

If you enjoyed this Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe, you might also like:

• Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Zucchini Bread
• Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
• Almond Flour Banana Bread

Bring It to the Table

This Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe is not just a treat but a way to create memories with family and friends. Whether you serve it warm with butter, alongside a cup of coffee, or as a sweet ending to a meal, it’s sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. So, gather your ingredients, turn on your oven, and start baking! You’ll be rewarded with a loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. Trust me, this will quickly become your go-to recipe for banana bread!

Peanut Butter Banana Bread Recipe

This Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a delicious twist on a classic! It's moist, flavorful, and perfect for any time of day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup granulated sugar This adds sweetness to balance the peanut butter and bananas.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil Provides moisture and richness.
• 1/2 cup peanut butter Use creamy or chunky for added texture.
• 2 overripe bananas The riper, the better! They should be soft and speckled.
• 2 large eggs Essential for binding the ingredients.
• 7 tablespoons milk Helps to achieve the right batter consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice Reacts with baking soda for leavening.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda The leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt optional - Enhances the flavors.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour The base of the bread.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted - Adds richness and flavor.
• 1 cup powdered sugar For a sweet glaze that tops off the bread.
• 1/2 teaspoon maple extract Adds a subtle, warm flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the overall taste.
• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream For the glaze, adds creaminess.

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Loaf pan
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and peanut butter. Use a whisk to blend them until smooth. Add the overripe bananas and mash them into the mixture until well incorporated. Then, mix in the eggs, milk, vinegar (or lemon juice), vanilla extract, and maple extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt (if using). Make sure there are no lumps.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few flour streaks.
5. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula, and tap it lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
7. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, and heavy whipping cream until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled banana bread.

Notes

• Store the cooled banana bread at room temperature for up to 3 days, wrapped tightly.
• For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.